Aspens participates at the pilot project E-BO₂t to produce synthetic E-fuels from CO2 and H2

Aspens GmbH, a leading company in the field of electrolysis plants, announces today its participation in a groundbreaking pilot project conducted in collaboration with Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University (FiW e.V.), Emschergenossenschaft (EGLV), OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH. The innovative project aims to produce electricity-based synthetic e-fuels by using CO₂ from sewage gas and hydrogen (H₂) from electrolysis.

The pilot project represents a significant step towards sustainable energy production and marks a milestone in the companies’ efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. By converting CO₂ from sewage gas and green hydrogen from electrolysis, synthetic E-fuels are created, which can be used as a low-carbon energy source in various applications.

“In order to achieve the climate targets in transport, we need to find out more about how the sector coupling of water, energy and transport can be used profitably for the production of renewable e-fuels. This is precisely the aim of the E-BO₂t pilot project here in Bottrop and I am therefore particularly pleased that the BMDV is supporting this forward-looking project with over 12 million euros,” said Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport Affairs at the project kick-off on 17.10.2023 in Bottrop.

“The benefits for us as a sewage treatment plant operator include the green use of the carbon dioxide produced during sewage gas power generation and the production of storable methanol as a fuel for commercial vehicles that could not previously be electrified and for backup power generators in emergencies, for example to operate our pumping stations during a power outage and as a resource for nitrogen elimination. As a globally important raw material, green methanol can also reduce the chemical industry’s dependence on fossil raw materials,” says Dr. Frank Obenaus, Technical Director of the Emschergenossenschaft.

Mr. Simon Pauli, Vice President of Aspens GmbH, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “Participating in this pilot project underscores our commitment to the circular economy and sustainable innovations. We are proud to be part of a project that not only reduces environmental impacts but also contributes to the energy transition.”

The project “E-BO₂t – Production of electrolysis-based methanol fuels and water-based oxygen utilization at the Bottrop wastewater treatment plant” is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transportation with a total of 12.45 million euros as part of the overall concept for renewable fuels. The funding guideline for the development of renewable fuels is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by the project sponsors VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH and the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (Agency for Renewable Resources).